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THE 

il 



PEIVATE LIFE 



OF 



JOIII C. CiJJIOUN 



A LETTER ORIGINALLY ADDRESSED TO A BROTHER AT THE NORTH, 

COMMUNICATED TO THE "INTERNATIONAL MA&AZINE," 

AND NOW REPRINTED AT THE REQUEST OF 

MANY PERSONAL FRIENDS. 



BV 



MISS MARY BATES, 



/ 



CHARLESTON":' 

WALKER, riCHARDS AND CO, 
MDCCCLII. 



THE PRIVATE LIFE OF JOHN C. CALHOUN. 



The funeral rites of the lamented Calhoun have 
been performed. So deeply has the mournful pageant 
impressed me, so vividly have memories of the past 
been recalled, that I am incapable of thinking or writ- 
ing upon any other theme. My heart prompts me to 
garner up my recollections of this illustrious statesman. 
I can better preserve these invaluable memories by 
committing them to paper, and as you enjoyed but one 
brief interview with Mr. Calhoun, these pages shall be 
addressed to you. 

An eloquent member of the House of Kepresenta- 
tives, from your State, has compared this Southern lu- 
minary to that remarkable constellation, the Southern 
Cross. A few years since, in sailing to a West India 
island, I had a perilous voyage, but have ever felt that 
the sight of that Southei'n Cross, which had long 
haunted my imagination, almost repaid me for its ex- 
citement and sufferino:. And thus do I reorard an ac- 
quaintance with this intellectual star, as one great com- 
pensation for a separation from my early home. It 
would have been a loss not to have seen that poetic 
group, which greets the traveller as he sails southward, 
but how much greater the loss never to have beheld 
that unique luminary which has set to rise no more 
upon our visible horizon. 



8 THE PRIVATE LIFE OF JOHN C. CALHOUN. 

Mr. Callioim's public career is so well known to yon 
that I shall speak of him principally in his private re- 
lations, and shall refer to his opinions only as expressed 
in conversation — for it was in the repose of his happy 
home, in the tranquillity of domestic life, and in the 
freedom of social intercourse, that I knew him. 

While the clarion-notes of his fame resound among 
the distant hills and valleys of our land, while those 
who in political strife crossed lances with this champion 
of the South, nobly acknowledge his valour and his 
honour, while (Carolina chants a requiem for her depart- 
ed dead, may not one who knows his moral elevation, and 
who has witnessed his domestic virtues, have the con- 
solation of adding an unaffected tribute to his memory? 
While his devoted constituents, with impressive sym- 
bols and mournful pageants, perform funereal rites, 
erect for him the costly marble, weave for him the 
brilliant chaplet, be it mine to scatter over his honoured 
tomb simple but ever green leaflets. While in glow- 
ing colours the orator pourtrays him in his peerless ca- 
reer in the political arena, be it mine to delineate the 
daily beaut)^ of his life. 

In Mr. Calhoun were united the simple habits of the 
Spartan lawgiver, the inflexible principles of the Eo- 
man senator, the courteous bearing and indulgent kmd- 
ness of the American host, husband, and father. This 
was indeed a rare union. Life with him was solemn 
.and earnest, and yet all about him was cheerful. I 
/ never heard him utter a jest ; there was an unvarying 
dignity and gravity in his manner ; and yet the play- 
ful child regarded him fearlessly and lovingly. Few 
men indulge their families in as free, confidential, and 
familiar intercourse as did this great statesman. In- 



THE PRIVATE LIFE OF JOHN C. CALHOUIST. 9 

deed, to those who had an opportunity of observing 
him in his own house, it was evident that his cheerful 
and happy home had attractions for him superior to 
those which any other place could offer. Here was a 
retreat from the cares, the observation and the homage 
of the world. In few homes could the transient visitor 
feel more at ease than did the guest at Fort Hill. Those 
who knew Mr. Calhoun only by his senatorial speeches, 
may suppose that his heart and mind were all engaged 
in the nation's councils, but there were moments when 
his courtesy, his minute kindnesses, made you forget 
the statesman. The choicest fruits were selected for 
his guest ; and I remember seeing him, at his daugh- 
ter's wedding, take the ornaments from a cake and send 
them to a little child. Many such graceful attentions, 
offered in an unostentatious manner to all about him, 
illustrated the kindness and noble simplicity of his na- 
ture. His family could not but exult in his intellectual 
greatness, his rare endowments, and his lofty career, 
yet they seemed to lose sight of all these in their love 
for him. I had once the pleasure of travelling with 
his eldest son, who related to me many interesting facts 
and traits of his life. He said he had never heard him 
speak impatiently to any member of his family. He 
mentioned that, as he was leaving that morning for his 
home in Alabama, a younger brother said, " Come 

soon again, and see us, brother A' , for do you not 

see that fathm* is growing old, and is not father the 
dearest, best old man in the world ?" 

Like Cincinnatus, he enjoyed rural life and occuj^a- 
tion. It was his habit, when at home, to go over his 
grounds every day. I remember his returning one 
morning from a walk about his plantation, delighted 



10 THE PRIVATE LIFE OF JOHN C. CALHOUN. 

with the fine specimens of corn and rice which he 
broiiQ^ht in for ns to admire. That moruins: — the 
trifling incident shows his consideration and kindness 
of feehng, as well as his tact and power of adaptation — 
seeing an article of needlework in the hands of sister 

A' , who was then a stranger there, he examined 

it, sjooke of the beauty of the colouring, the variety of 
the shade, and by thus showing an interest in her, at 
once made her at ease in his presence. 

His eldest daughter always accompanied him to 
Washington, and in the absence of his wife, Avho was 
often detained by family cares at Fort Hill, this daugh- 
ter was his solace amid arduous duties, and his confi- 
dant in perplexing cases. Like the gifted DeStael, she 
loved her father with enthusiastic devotion. Richly 
endowed by nature, improved by constant companion- 
ship with the great man, her mind was in harmony 
with his, and he took pleasure in counselling with her. 
She said, " Of course, I do not understand as he does, 
for I am comparatively a stranger to the world, yet he 
likes my unsophisticated o]3inion, and I frankly tell 
him my views on any subject about which he inquires 
of me." 

Between himself and his younger daughter there 
was a peculiar and most tender union. As by the state 
of her health she was deprived of many enjoyments, 
her indulgent parents endeavoured to compensate for 
every loss by their afi^ection and devotion! As reading 
was her favourite occupation, she was allowed to go to 
the letter-bag when it came from the ofiice, and select 
the papers she preferred. On one occasion, she had 
taken two papers, containing news of importance, which 
her father was anxious to see, but he would allow no 



THE PEIVATE LIFE OF JOnjST C. CALHOUN. 11 

one to disturb lier until slie had finished their pe- 
rusal. 

In his social as well as in his domestic relations he 
was irreproachable. No shadow rested on his pure 
fame, no blot on his escutcheon. In his business trans- 
actions he was punctual and scrupulously exact. He 
was honourable as well as honest. Young men who 
were reared in his vicinity, with their eyes ever on 
him, say that in all respects, in small as well as in 
great things, his conduct was so exemplary that he 
might well be esteemed a model. 

His profound love for his own family, his cordial in- 
terest in his friends, his kindness and justice in every 
transaction, were not small virtues in a great statesman. 

He was anti-Byronic. I never heard him ridicule or 
satirize a human being. Indeed, he might have been 
thought deficient in a sense of the ludicrous, had he 
not, by the unvarying propriety of his own conduct, 
proved his exquisite perception of its o23posites. When 
he diifered in opinion from those with whom he con- 
versed, he seemed to endeavour, by a respectful man- 
ner, to compensate for the disagreement. He employ- 
ed reason rather than contradiction, and so earnestly 
would he urge an opinion and so fully present an argu- 
ment, that his opponent could not avoid feeling com- 
plimented rather than mortified. He paid a tribute to 
the understandings of others by the force of his own 
reasoning, and by his readiness to admit every argu- 
ment which he could, although advanced in opposition 
to one he had himself just expressed. 

On one occasion I declined taking a glass of wine at 
his table. He kindly said, " I think you carry that a 
little too far. It is well to give up every thing intoxi- 



12 THE PEIVATE LIFE OF JOHN C. CALHOUN, 

eating, but not these light wines." I replied that wine 
was renounced by many, for tlie sake of consistency, 
and for tlie benefit of those who could not afford wine. 
He acknowledged the correctness of the principle, add- 
ing, " I do not know how temperance societies can take 
any other ground," and then defined his views of tem- 
perance, entered upon a course of interesting argument, 
and stated facts and statistics. Of course, were all men 
like Mr. Calhoun, temperance societies would be super- 
fluous. Perhaps he could not be aware of the tempta- 
tions which assail many men — he was so purely intel- 
lectual, so free from self-indulgence. Materiality with 
him was held subject to his higher nature. He did not 
even indulge himself in a cigar. Few spent as little 
time and exhausted as little energy in mere amuse- 
ments. Domestic and social enjoyments were his plea' 
sures — kind and benevolent acts were his recreations. 

He always seemed willing to converse on any subject 
which was interesting to those about him. Eeturning 
one evening from Fort Hill, I remarked to a friend, " I 
have never been more convinced of Mr. Calhoun's ge- 
nius than to-day, while he talked to us of a flower." 
His versatile conversation evinced his universal knowl- 
edge, his quick perception, and his faculty of adapta- 
tion. A shower one day compelled him to take shelter 
in the shed of a blacksmith, who was charmed by his 
familiar conversation and the knowledge he exhibited 
of the mechanic arts. A naval ofiicer was once asked, 
after a visit to Fort Hill, how he liked Mr. Calhoun. 
"Not at all," says he — " I never like a man who knows 
more about my profession than I do myself." A cler- 
gyman wished to converse with him on subjects of a 
religious nature, and after the interview remarked that 



THE PEIVATE LIFE OF JOHJ^ C. CALHOUN. 13 

he was astonished to find liim better informed than 
himself on those very points wherein he had expected 
to give him information. I have understood that Mr 
Calhoun avoided an expression of opinion with rei^ard 
to diftereut sects and creeds, or what is called relicrlous 
controversy ; and once, when urged to give his views 
m relation to a disputed point, he replied, " That is a 
subject to which I have never given any attention." 

^ Mr. Calhoun was unostentatious and ever averse to 
display. He did not appear to talk for the sake of ex- 
hibition, but from the overflowing of his earnest nature 
V\ hether m the Senate or in conversation with a single 
listener, his language was choice, his style fervid his 
manner impressive, l^levev can I forget his gentle 
earnestness when endeavouring to explain his views on 
some controverted subject, and observing that my mind 
could hardly keep pace with his rapid reasouiuo- he 
would occasionally pause and say, in his kind manner 
" Do you see ?" ' 

He did not seek to know the opinions of others with 
regard to himself Anonymous letters he never read 
and his daughters and nieces often snatched from the 
flames letters of adulation, as well as censure, which he 
had not read. Although he respected the opinions of 
his fellow men, he did not seek ofiice or worldly honour 
A iew years since, one to whom he ever spoke freely* 
remarked to him that some believed that he was mak 
mg efforts to obtain the Presidency. At that moment S 
he had taken off his glasses, and was wiping them, and 

thus he replied :-"M , I think when a man is too 

old to see clearly through his glasses, he is too old to 1 

think of the Presidency." And recently he said to her ^ 

ihey may impute what motives they please to me' 



14 THE PEIYATE LIFE OF JOHX C. CALHOUN. 

but I do not seek office." So mucli did lie respect liis 
country, that he might have been gratified by the free 
gift of the people ; so much did he love his country, 
that he might have rejoiced at an opportunity to serve 
it ; but would he have swerved one iota from his con- 
victions to secure a kingdom ? Who that knew him 
believes it ? 

It has been said by that brilliant satirist, Horace 

V Walpole, that every man has his price. I never did 

believe so evil a thins:; I have l^een too conversant 

) with the great and good to believe this libel ; and I 

doubt not there are others beside Mr, Calhoun who 

value truth and honour above all price or office. 

Highly as our great statesman regarded appreciation, 
yet he could endure to be misrepresented. While his 
glorious eye would light with more brilliant lustre at 
the greeting of friendship or the earnest expression of 
confidence, he rose superiorjto abuse or censure. I be- 
lieve it was ever thus while in health. The last winter, 
dying in the Senate chamber, his feeble frame could ill 
repel the piercing shafts of his antagonists. The ebbing 
currents in his pulses were accelerated. He could not 
desert his post, though the contest raged fiercely, but 
his great soul was wounded. He loved his country, he 
loved the Union, and it was a great grief to him in his 
last hours to be misunderstood and misrepresented. 
Still, he was consoled by the thought that in the end 
he would be appreciated." Some one remarked to him 
that he was a very unpopular man. He replied, " I 
am, among politicians, but not among the people, and 
you will know this when I am dead." 

Though Mr. Calhoun acknowledged, in his own win- 
ning way, the involuntary tributes of friendship and 



THE PRIVATE LIFE OF JOHN C. CALHOUJST. 15 

admiration, lie courteously clecliued, wlienever lie could 
witli propriety, public testimonies of homage wMcli 
were offered to liim. His wife shared with him this 
unostentatious spirit, preferring the voice of friendship 
to the acclamations of the multitude. I have heard 
some of his family say that they coveted nothing, not 
even the Presidency, for him. They, with many of us 
who knew him, felt that even the first gift of a great 
nation could not add one gem to his crown — that crown 
of genius and virtue, w^hose glorious beauty no mortal 
power could illumine with new effulgence. 

His sincerity was perfect. What he thought he said. 
He was no diplomatist. Some of his theories might 
seem paradoxical, but a paradox is not necessarily a 
contradiction. He has been accused of inconsistency. 
Those who thus accuse him do him ojrievous wrons^. 

Nothing is more inconsistent than to persist in a uni- 
form belief wdien chans^ino^ circumstances demand its 
modification. How absurd to preserve a law" which, in 
the progress of society, has become null and obsolete ! 
for instance, o-rantin^ to a criminal " the benefit of 
clergy." " Nothing," says a distinguished English writer, 
" is so revolutionary as to attempt to keep all things 
fixed, wdien, by the very laws of nature, all things are 
perpetually changing." Nothing is more arrogant than 
for a fallible being to refuse to open his mind to con- 
viction. When Mr. Calhoun altered his opinion, con- 
sistency itself required the change. 

How^ever some of his political sentiments might have 
difiered from those of many of the great and good of 
the age, he was sincere in them, and believed what he 
asserted with all the earnestness of an enthusiastic na- 
ture, with all the faith of a close and independent 



16 THE PKIVATE LIFE OF JOHN 0. CALHOUN. 

thinker, and with all the confidence of one who draws 
his conclusions from general principles and not from 
individual facts. Time will test the truth of his con- 
victions. It has been said that he was sectional in his 
feelings, but surely his heart was large enough to em- 
brace the whole country. It has often been said that 
he wished to dissolve the Union, but he loved the Union, 
nor could he brook the thought of disunion if by any 
means unity could be preserved. Because he foresaw, 
and frankly said, that certain effects must result from 
certain causes, does this prove that he desired these 
effects ? In his very last speech, he speaks of disunion 
as a " great disaster." But he was not a man to cry 
" peace, peace, when there was no peace." Although 
like Cassandra he might not be believed, he would raise 
his warning voice ; he was not a man to hide himself 
when a hydra had sprung up which threatened to de- 
vastate our fair and fertile land from its northern bor- 
ders to its southern shores. And while he called on 
the South for union, did he not warn the conservative 
party at the North that this monster was not to be 
tampered with ? And did he not call on them to unite, 
and arise in their strength, and destroy it ? 

And how could he, with his wise philosophy, his 
knowledge of human nature, and universal benevolence, 
view with indifference that unreflecting and wild (or 
should I not say savage) philanthropy, which, in order 
to sustain abstract principles, loses sight of the happi- 
ness and welfere of every class of human beings ? How 
often did he entreat that discussion on those subjects, 
beyond the right of legislation, should be prevented, 
that angry words and ungenerous recrimination should 
cease ! Did he not foresee that such discussions would 



THE PRIVATE LIFE OF JOHN C. CALHOUN. 17 

serve to develop every element of evil in all tlie sec- 
tions of tlie country — a country with, sucli capacities 
for good ? Did he unwisely fear that the ancient fable 
of Cadmus would be realized — that dragon-teeth, reck- 
lessly scattered, would spring up armed men ? And 
did he not know that the southern heart could not re- 
main insensible to reproach and aggression ? 

" Non obtusa adeo gestamus pectora Poeni : 

Nee tam aversus equos Tyria Sol jungit, ab urbe." 

And, ah, how earnestly did he plead for peace, and 
truth, and justice ! As far as I understood him, he 
wished to benefit by his policy in affairs both the South 
and the North. I remember, in speaking to me of free 
trade, he expressed the opinion that the course he re- 
commended would l^enefit the North as well as the South. 
This he did not merely assert, but sustained with fre- 
quent argument. In his conversation there was a re- 
markable blending of fact and theory, of a knowledge 
of the past and an insight into the future. 

Mr. Calhoun was a philanthropist in the most liberal 
sense of the word. He desired for man the utmost 
happiness, the greatest good, and the highest elevation. 
If he differed from lovers of the race in other parts of 
the world, with regard to the means of obtaining these 
results, it was not because he failed to study the sub- 
ject ; not because he lacked opportunities of observa- 
tion and of obtainino^ facts ; nor because he indulsred in 
selfish prejudices. From every quarter he gleaned ac- 
cessible information, and with conscientious earnestness 
he brought his wonderful powers of generalization to 
bear on the subject of human haj^piness and advance- 
ment — his pure unselfish heart aiding his powerful 

mind. 

2 



18 THE PKIVATE LIFE OF JOHN C. CALHOUN. 

Tlie good of the least of God's creatures was not be- 
neath his regard ; but he did not believe that the least 
was equal to the greatest ; he did not think the happi- 
ness or elevation of any class could be secured by a 
sentiment so unphilosophical. The attempt to reduce 
all to a level, to put all minds in uniform, to give all 
the same employment, he viewed as chimerical. He 
said that in every civilized society there must be divi- 
sion of labour, and he believed the slaves at the South 
more happy, more free from suffering and crime, than 
any corresponding class in any country. He had no 
aristocratic pride, but he desired for himself and others 
the highest possible elevation. He respected the arti- 
san, the mechanic, and agriculturist, and considered 
each of these occupations as affording scope for native 
talent. He believed the African to be most happy and 
useful under the guidance of the Anglo-Saxon ; he is 
averse to hard labour and responsible effort ; he likes 
personal service, and identifies himself witb those he 
serves. 

Mr. Calhoun spoke of the great inconsistency of Eng- 
lish denunciations of American slavery, and said that 
to every man, woman, and child in England, two hun- 
dred and fifty persons were tributary. Although colo- 
nial possessions and individual possessions are by many 
regarded as different, lie considered them involved in 
the same general principle. In considering the rights 
of man, the great question is not. Has a master a right 
to hold a slave ? but. Has one human being a right to 
bold another subordinate ? The rights of man may be 
invaded, and the idol Liberty cast down, by those who 
are loudest in their philanthropic denunciations respect- 
ing slavery. Is there as much cruelty in holding slaves, 



THE PRIVATE LIFE OF JOHX C. CALHOUlSr. 19 

even under the most unfavourable circumstances, as in ^ 
selling into bondage a whole nation ?^' Let the brave 
chiefs of the Rohillas answer from the battle-field. Let 
cries from the burning cities of Hohilcund reply. Let 
the princesses of Oude speak from their 23risons. 

Close observation, prompted by a kindly heart, had 
brought Mr. Calhoun to the opinion that the Africans 
in this country were happier in existing circumstances 
than they would be in any other ; that they were im- 
proving in their condition, and that any attempt to 
change it, at least at present, would not only be an evil 
to the country, but fraught with suffering to them. A 
state of freedom, so called, would be to them a state of 
care and disaster. To abolish slavery now would be to 
abolish the slave. The race would share the doom of 
the IndiaiPs. Although here nominally slaves, as a 
general thing they enjoy more freedom than any where 
else ; for is not that freedom where one is happiest and 
best, and where there is a correspondence between the 
situation and the desires, the condition and the capa- 
cities ? May we not say with the angel Abdiel : 

" Unjustly thou depravest it with the name 
Of servitude, to serve whom God ordains, 
Or Nature. God and Nature bid the same, 
When he who rules is worthiest, and excels 
Them whom he governs. This is servitude, 
To serve the unwise." 

Mr. Callioun found the local attachment of the slaves 
so strong, their relation to their owners so satisfying to 
their natures, and the southern climate so congenial to 
them, that he did not believe any change of place or 
state would benefit them. 

* Vide Macaulay's article on Warren Hastings, in the Edinburgh Review. 



20 THE PErV^ATE LIFE OF JOHN C. CALHOUN. 

These, as nearly as I can recollect, were his 02:)inions 
on the subject of slavery, and were expressed to me in 
several conversations. Sentiments similar to these are 
entertained by many high-minded and benevolent 
slaveholders. That this institution, like every other, 
is liable to abuse, is admitted, but every planter must 
answer, not for the institution — for which he is no more 
accountable than for the fall of Adam — but for his in- 
dividual discharge of duty. If, through his selfishness, 
or indolence, or false indulgence, or severity, his ser- 
vants suffer, then to his Master in heaven he must give 
account. But those who obey the divine mandate, 
" Give unto your servants that which is just and equal," 
need not fear. In the endeavour to perform their duty 
in the responsible sphere in which they were placed by 
no act of their own, they can repose even ill the midst 
of the wild storm which threatens dtvastation to our 
fertile lauds ; they can look away from the judgment 
of the world, nor will they, even if all the powers of 
earth bid them, adopt a policy which will ruin them- 
selves, their children, and the dependent race in their 
midst ; they will not cast a people they are bound to 
protect on the tender mercies of the cruel. In their 
conservative measures they are, and must be, supported 
at the North, by men of liberal and philosophical 
minds, of extended views, and benevolent hearts. But 
I have said far more on this subject than I intended, 
and will only add that those who do not, from per- 
sonal observation, know this institution in its best 
estate, cannot easily understand the softened features 
it often wears, nor the high virtues exhibited by the 
master, and the confiding, dependent attachment of the 
servant. Often is the Southern j^lanter as a 2:)atriarch 



THE PRIVATE LIFE OF JOH^- C. CALH0U2T. 21 



in oldeu times. Those wlio are strivino- to sever liis 
liouseliold know not what they do. 

Well may we who live in these troubled times ex- 
claim, with Madame E-oland, the martyr of the false 
principles of her murderers, " O Liberte ! O Liberte ! 
que de crimes on commet en ton nom !" This she said, 
turning to the statue of Liberty beside the scaffold. 
Liberty unrestrained degenerates into license. There 
may be political freedom without social liberty. Says 
Lamartine, speaking of the inhabitants of Malta, " lis 
sont esclaves de la loi imrauable de la force que Dieu 
leur fait; nous sommes esclaves des lois variables et 
capricieuses que nous nous faisons." 

A few years' residence on this soil might teach even 
a Wilberforce to turn in his philanthropy to other and 
wider fields of action. 

Of Mr. Calhoun's character as a master, much might 
be said, for all who knew him admit that it was exem- 
plary. But we need not multiply examples to prove 
his unaftected goodness, and I will repeat only a cir- 
cumstance or two, which, by way of illustrating some 
subjects discussed, he incidentally mentioned to me. 
One relating to a free negro, formerly a slave in Caro- 
lina, but then living in one of our Northern cities, who 
came to him in Washington, begging him to intercede 
for his return to Carolina. He represented his condi- 
tion as deplorable, said that he could not support him- 
self and family by his trade, (he was a shoemaker,) and 
that not beino* able to obtain sufficient food and fuel 
in that cold climate, they v/ ere almost frozen. " "vVhen I 
told him," said Mr. Calhoun, "that I would do all I could 
for him, he seized both my hands in his, and expressed 
fervent gratitude." At another time, speaking of a family 



22 THE PRIVATE LIFE OF JOIIT^ C. CALHOUN. 

whom Ms son designed to take to Alabama, lie told 
me that the mother of the family came to him and said 
she would prefer to stay with her master and mistress 
on the plantation, even if all her children went with 
master A. Mr. Calhoun added, " I could not think of 
her remaining without either of her children ; and as 
she chose to stay, we retained her youngest son, a boy 
of twelve years." 

Mr. Calhoun required very little of any one, doing 
more for others than he asked of them. He seemed to 
act upon the principle that the strong should bear the 
burthens of the weak. In sickness he feared to give 
trouble, and, unless his friends insisted, would have little 
done for him. " : nergetic as he was," said a near re- 
lative, " he would lie patiently all day, asking for no- 
thing." His sensibility was of the most unselfish nature. 
Some months before his death, and after he left Fort 
Hill the last time, he said he felt that death was near, 
much nearer than he was willing to have his family 
know, and added that he wished to give all the time 
he could spare from public duty to preparation for 
death. While suffering from increasing illness at "Wash- 
ington, still, as he hoped to return again to his family, 
he was unwilling, though they anxiously awaited his 
summons, that they should be alarmed, saying he could 
not bear to see their grief. No doubt his conscientious 
spirit felt that his country, at that critical moment, de- 
manded his best energies, and that he should be un- 
nerved by the presence of his nearest friends; and 
loving his own family as he did, and beloved as he was 
by them, he serenely awaited the approach of the King 
of Terrors, and suffered his last sorrow far from his 
home, cheered only by one watcher from his household. 



THE PEIVATE LIFE OF JOHN C. CALHOUN. 23 

There was a beautiful adaptation in liis bearing — a 
just a2')preciation of what was due to others, and a nice 
sense of projDriety. I have had opportunities to com- 
pare his manners with those of other great men. His 
kind and unaffected interest was expressed in a way 
peculiarly dignified and refined. Some men appear to 
think they atone for a low estimate of our sex by flat- 
tery. Not so with Mr. Calhoun. He paid the highest 
compliment which could be paid to woman, by recog- 
nizing in her a soul — a soul capable of understanding 
and ap2:>reciating. Of his desire for her imj^rovemnt 
and elevation he gave substantial proofs. Although 
Fort Hill was five miles from the Female Academy, he 
never suffered an examination to pass without honouring 
it with his presence. He came not for the sake of form, 
but he exhibited an interest in the exercises, and was 
heard to comment upon them afterwards in a manner 
which showed that he had given them attention. He 
never reminded you that his hours were more precious 
than yours. The question may be asked how could he, 
amid his great and stern duties, find time for attention 
to those things from which so many men excuse them- 
selves on the plea of business. But he wasted no time, 
and by gathering up its fragments, he had enough and 
to spare. I have before said that his kind acts were 
his recreations. 

AVere I asked wherein lay the charm which won the 
hearts of all who came within his circle, I could not at 
once reply. It was, perhaps, his perfect ahaiidon^ his 
sincerity, his confidential manner, his childlike sim- 
plicity, in union with his majestic intelligence, and his 
self-renunciation — the crowing virtue of his life ; these 
imparted the vivid enjoyment and the delightful repose 



24 THE PEIVATE LIFE OF JOHN C. CALHOUlSr. 

wliicli his friends felt in liis presence. It was often not 
so much what he said, as his manner of saying it, that 
was so impressive. Never can I forget an incident 
which occurred at the time when a war with Ena-hmd, 
on account of Oregon, seemed impending. He arrived 
in Charleston during the excitement on that subject. 
He was asked in the drawing-room if he thought there 
would be a war. He waived an answer, saying that for 
some time he had been absent from home and had re- 
ceived no official documents ; but as he passed with us 
from the drawino:-room to the street door, he said to 
me, in his rapid, earnest manner, " I anticipate a severe 
seven months' campaign. I have never known our 
country in such a state." War has a terror for me, 
and I said, " Oh, Mr. Calhoun, do not let a war arise. 
Do all you can to prevent it." He replied, " 1 will do 
all, in honour, I can do," and paused. A thousand 
thoughts seemed to pass over his face, his soul was in 
his eyes, and bending a little forward, as if bowed by a 
sense of his responsibility and insufficiency, he added, 
speaking slowly and with emphasis, and with the deep- 
est solemnity, as if questioning with himself, '"''But 
ivliat can one man do f I see him now. No painting 
or sculj^ture could remind me so truly of him as does 
my faithful memory. But I will not dwell on the sub- 
ject, for I fear I can never, by words, convey to the 
mind of another the impression which I received of his 
sincerity, and of his devotion to his country and to the 
cause of humanity. How he redeemed his pledge to 
do all that he, in honour, could do, his efforts in the set- 
tlement of the Oregon question truly show. When 
next I saw him I told him hoAV much I was delighted 
with his Oregon speech. In his kindest manner he 



THE PEIVATE LIFE OF JOHjST C. CALH0U2T. 25 

replied, "I am glad I can say auy thing to please 
yon." 

The last time I saw Mr. Calhoun, you, my brother, 
were with me. You remember that his kind wife took 
us to his room, and that you remarked the cheerfulness 
and affability with which he received us, although his 
feeble health had obliged him to refuse almost every 
one that day. We shall see him no more, but his me- 
mory will linger with us. 

To you I would commend him as an example. Read 
his letter to a young lawyer. As you are so soon to 
enter the profession of law, such a model as Mr. Cal- 
houn may be studied with advantage. While I would 
never wish one to lose his own individuality, or to 
descend to imitation, I believe that one gifted mind 
leaves its impress on another ; while I would not deify 
or canonize a mortal, I would render homage to one 
who united such moral attainments to so rare a combi- 
nation of intellectual gifts ; while it is degrading to 
ourselves and injurious to others to lavish unmerited 
and extravagant praise, it is a loss not to appreciate a 
character like his, for it ennobles our own nature to 
contemplate the true and the beautiful. 

Although it is said that our country is in danger 
from its ideas of equality, and its want of reverence 
and esteem for age, and wisdom, and office, and talents, 
and attainments, and virtues — and this feature of the 
American character is so strongly impressed, that Mar 
Yohannah, the Nestorian bishop, said in my presence, 
in his peculiar English, " Yes, I know this nation glory 
in its republicanism, but I am afraid it will become 
republican to God" — yet it is a cheering omen when a 
man like Mr. Calhoun is so much beloved and reve- 



26 THE PRIVATE LIFE OF JOHN C. CALHOUN, 

rencecl. I tliink every one wlio was favoured with a 
personal acquaintance witli liim, will admit that I 
have not been guilty of exaggeration, and " will de- 
light to do hiin honour." 

The question naturally arises, to what are we to 
ascribe the formation of such a character ? There 
must have been causes for such effects. Whence came 
his temperance, his self-denial, his incorruptible inte- 
grity, his fidelity in every duty, his love for mankind, 
his indefatigable efforts for the good of others, and his 
superiority to those things which the natural heart 
most craves? Mr. Calhoun's childhood was spent 
among the glorious works of nature, and was shel- 
tered from the temptations which abound in promis- 
cuous society. He was the son of pious j^arents, and 
by them he was taught the Bible, and from that 
source undoubtedly his native gifts were perfected. I 
have understood that from early life he was an advo- 
cate for the doctrines of the Bible, as understood by 
orthodox Christians. I have been told by relatives of 
his, who were on the most intimate terms with him, 
that for some time before his death his mind had 
seemed to be much occupied with religious subjects, 
and that he too often expressed confidence in the pro- 
vidence of God, to leave any doubt as to his trust in 
Him. An eminent clergyman, now deceased, said in 
conversation with another, that he had often convers- 
ed with Mr. Calhoun on the subject of religion, and 
had no doubt as to his piety. I have remarked his 
reverential air in church, and have known him appa- 
rently much disturbed by any inattention in others. 
He never united with any church ; and it is my opinion, 
formed not without some reason, that he was prevent- 



THE PEIVATE LIFE OF JOHN C. CALHOUN. 27 

eel, not by disregard to any Christian ordinances, but 
from personal and conscientious scruples with respect 
to his qualifications. He was a man who weighed 
everything with mathematical precision. 

Although open as day on topics of general interest, 
he was reserved in resj^ect to himself. I do not recol- 
lect ever to have heard him speak egotistically, for his 
mind seemed always engrossed by some great thought ; 
and he appears, even at the close of life, to lose all 
personal solicitudes in his anxiety for his country. In 
one of his last letters he says, " But I must close. This 
may be my last communication to you. My end is 
probably near — perhaps very near. Before I reach it 
I have but one serious thought to gratify — it is to see 
my country quieted under some arrangement (alas, I 
know not what!) that will be satisftictoiy to all, and 
safe to the South." His country's peace, and quietness, 
and safety, he did not see ; he perished in the storm ; 
and there are many who knew and loved him, who 
cherish the hope that he is removed to a higher sphere 
of action — that his noble spirit has meekly entered in- 
to the presence of its author ; and that, in the starry 
courts above, he will receive an inheritance "incorrup- 
tible, undefiled, and that uiueth not a-vvr.y." 

When I saw the elaborate preparations which were 
made here in Charleston for his funeral, knowing his 
simple tastes and habits, and his benevolence, I was at 
first pained, and I tliought he would not have sanc- 
tioned so much display. I feared, too, that solemnity 
would be lost in pageantry. But it was not so. There 
was nothing to jar upon the feelings of the most sen- 
sitive. All was in perfect and mournful harmony. 
Silently and reverently his sorrowing countrymen bore 



^28 THE PEIVATE LIFE OF JOHN C. CALIIOUJf. 

/ . 

his remains from the steamer where tliey had reposed 
imder a canopy wearing its thirty stars, and when the 
hearse, so funereal with mournful drapery and sable 
plumes, entered the grounds of the Citadel, deep silence 
brooded over the vast multitude ; noiselessly w^ere 
heads uncovered, banners dropped — not a sound but 
that of the tramp of horses was heard ; statue-like 
was that phahmx, with every eye uplifted to the 
sacred sarcophagus. If there was too much of show, 
it was redeemed by the spirit that prompted it : the 
symbols, significant and expressive as they were, faint- 
ly shadowed forth the deep and universal grief ; the 
mournful pageantry, the tolling bell, the muffled drum, 
the closed and shrouded stores and houses, gave exter- 
nal signs of woe ; but more impressive and affecting 
was the peaceful sadness which brooded over the me- 
tropolis while it awaited the relics of the patriot, and 
the deep silence which pervaded the vast procession 
that followed to the City Hall — the subdued bearing 
of the crowd who resorted thither, and the solemnity 
expressed on every face ; for these told that the great 
heart of the city and the commonwealth wept in hush- 
ed and sincere sorrow over " the mighty fallen in the 
midst of the battle." 

One day and night the illustrious dead reposed in 
state in the draped and darkened hall. An entrance 
was formed by the arching Palmetto, that classic tree, 
under whose branches Dudon, the Crusader, was placed, 
when slain in Palestine. On that tree — " altissima 
palma" — his comrades placed his trophies. With a 
spirit as sad as that of the Crusaders when under the 
verdant foliage of the palm they mourned the noble 
Dudon, did those who loved our champion pass be- 



THE PRIVATE LIFE OF JOHN C. CALHOUN. 29 

neatli tliat arch, dark with funereal gloom. The sar- 
cophagus was within a magnificent catafalque ; the 
canopy rested on Corinthian columns ; the bier was 
apparently supported by six urns, while three pale- 
coloured eagles surmounted the canopy, holding in their 
beaks the waving crape. Invisible lamps cast moon- 
light beams over the radiated upper surface of the 
canopy. Through the day numbers resorted to this 
hallowed spot, and at night vigils were held where the 
dead reposed. When the morning came, the chosen 
guards carried the remains of the great leader to the 
church. The funeral car was not allowed to bear these 
sacred relics to the tomb, but they were borne by 
sons of the State, with uncovered heads. Well might 
those who saw their self-forgetfulness, their devotion 
to the memory of this great and good statesman, feel 
that Carolina would never be wanting to herself. They 
placed him upon the bier, surrounded by significant 
offerings — pure flowers and laurel-wreaths. A velvet 
pall, revealing iu silver lines the arms of the State, the 
Palmetto, covered the sarcophagus. Above it was a 
coronet woven of laurel leaves, like that which crown- 
ed Tasso. Then in that church, where mournfully 
vfaved the sal^le crape, where columns, arches, and 
galleries were shrouded in the drapery of woe — sym- 
bols of the sorrowing hearts gathered there — the fune- 
ral rites were performed. Then v\^as the mighty dead 
placed in his narrow tomb. Over it the choicest 
flowers were scattered ; above it waved the nation's 
flag. 

Weep, Columbia, for a philanthropist, an American 
j)atriot, has fallen ! Lament, sons and daughters of 
Carolian — " hang your harps u]3on the willows," for 



30 THE PEIVATE LIFE OF JOHN C. CALHOUN. 

" your WasMiigton ' lias fallen. Eevive the Eoman 
heroic Lonpurs, for a greater than a Roman lies here : 

" Manibus date lilia plenis, 
Purpureos spargam flores." 

Peerless statesman, illustrious counsellor, devoted 
patriot, generous friend, indulgent husband and father, 
thy humble, noble heart is still in death ; thy life was 
yielded up at the post of duty ; thou hast perished 
like a sentinel on guard — a watchman in his tower. 
" Thou wast slain in thy high places." Clouds gather- 
ed thick and fast about thy country's horizon, and 
even thy eagle eye failed in its mournful gaze to pene- 
trate the gloom which hides its future from mortal 
eye. Thy work is finished— peacefully rest with thine 
own ! Thy memory is enshrined in the hearts of those 
for whom thy heart ceased its beating. Thy grave is 
with us — 

" Yet spirit immortal, the tomb cannot bind tliee, 

For like thine own eagle eye that soared to the sun, 
Thou springest from bondage, and leavest behind thee 
A name which before thee few mortals have won." 

In reviewing the character of Mr. Calhoun, we find 
a rare combination of mental and moral qualities — a 
union of contrasts. He combined genius with common 
sense, the power of generalization with the habit of 
abstraction, rapidity of thought with application and 
industry. His mind was suggestive and logical, ima- 
ginative and practical. His noble ideal was embodied 
in his daily life. He was at once discursive and pro- 
found ; he could soar like the eagle, or hover on un- 
wearied wings around a minute circle. He meekly 
bore his lofty endowments ; his childlike simplicity 
imparted a charm to his transcendent intellect ; he 



THE PEIVATE LITE OF JOHiS" C. CALHOUI^. 31 

united dignity with humility, sincerity with courtesy, 
decision with gentleness, stern inflexibility with win- 
ning urbanity, and keen sensibility with perfect self- 
command. He was indulgent to others, denying to 
himself; he was energetic in health, and j^atient in 
sickness ; he combined strict temperance with social 
habits ; he was reserved in communicating his j^ersonal 
feelings, but his heart was open on subjects of general 
interest ; he prized the regard of his fellow-beings, 
but was superior to worldly pomps and flatteries ; he 
honoured his peers, but was not swayed by their oj)in- 
ions. Equal to the greatest, he did not despise the 
least of men. He did not neglect one duty to perform 
another. In the Senate he was altogether a senator ; 
in private and domestic life he was as though he had 
never entered the halls of the nation, and had never 
borne an illustrious j^art in the councils of his country. 



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